Monday, December 7, 2015

This Christmas season is quite different. Instead of a busy time of baking, decorating, etc., I have been recovering from a mild heart attack. The cause is unknown, as tests revealed no blockages, etc. I have been introduced to the world of medication and am regaining my strength.
I thank God for His provision of wonderful medical care, my supportive husband and family , and many friends.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Thanksgiving Day brought 16 of us around our table yesterday. After a glorious fall day on Sunday, we had wind, rain and cool weather as everyone arrived.

We have much to be thankful for.

Today we can enjoy the leftover turkey, and of course, a piece of apple pie.

This autumn our hydrangeas have been beautiful, turning a prettier pink than usual. I seeded some Osaka ornamental cabbages, and they too have been very pretty. I love the delicate markings on the leaf edges.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend, and now we can all join Sandi for tea.

Monday, September 14, 2015

When we desire a little touch of France, and delectable treats, we head across the river to a little French Bakery. There are only 3 or 4 tables but it as a delightful experience. There is a constant flow of customers, all welcomed with big smiles and a "Bonjour!" by the lovely French owners.

It is difficult to choose among the taste-tempting croissants, cakes, and tarts

Macarons in many flavours....

A nice variety of jams are also available, all from Provence

Big smiles and crisp uniforms add to the ambience.

Of course, coffee is a must!

Let's all head over to Sandi's now, for her weekly tea time. Thanks Sandi!

Thursday, August 6, 2015

On a recent car trip through Manitoba, we visited the Negrych farm near Dauphin, a pioneer Ukrainian homestead . The buildings were constructed between 1897 and 1915, and amazingly, have remained in their original style. Repairs are made, but the integrity of the buildings remain.

Buildings are log construction, and most materials came from the farm itself.

The outer walls are coated with a clay-based mixture. All shingles were hand-made.

The style of construction is Carpathian, from an area in Europe.

All hinges, gutters and other fittings were hand crafted.

I was very impressed with the location which was near a beautiful creek, from which water was drawn, and ice blocks were cut in winter and kept in an ice-house where milk and meat were stored well into the summer.

Kitchen tools and containers were also hand-made

One very interesting building contained a smokehouse and a clay oven. An alcove above the oven (top left) was often used as a sleeping shelf for the younger children.

A reproduction cupboard is unique

Some other views of structures in the yard...they were kept a distance apart so that in case of fire, only one building would be damaged.

This family was very well versed in horticulture and planted fruit trees and a large garden, thus were almost self-sufficient.

Although the last members of the family resided on the farm until the 1980's, there was never electricity or a telephone, but they did own a car.

The farm is now a public historic site and in summer, guided tours are provided.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Have you ever eaten chanterelle mushrooms?
Information can be found here.Recently my brother visited, bringing along some freshly picked chanterelles, and while we attended church, he prepared a delectable lunch for us....lovely omelets filled with mushrooms.
The chanterelles were lightly sautéed in butter...

The egg mixture was prepared...eggs, green onions, parmesan cheese, and a dash of cream..

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Monday, May 18, 2015

Victoria Day is usually the weekend we Manitobans head for the campgrounds and cottages, or have that longed-for family picnic. Not this year! We have had strong winds, and rain changing to sleet and snow. So it might be a good idea to do a little baking...
I found a recipe for a simple cheesecake with a hidden fruit surprise in the filling.

I assembled the ingredients. I made a bing cherry filling using frozen cherries.

The recipe size was just right for my heart shaped spring form pan.

Time to steep a cup of fruit herbal tea and leaf through a copy of a summer-themed magazine and pretend we don't have snow on the ground!

The cup and saucer is Shelley Blue, one of my favorites.

Enjoy your day, wherever you are, and thanks to Sandi for hosting the weekly tea time. For more background on Victoria Day, Sandi has explained it very well.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

On Monday, my daughter treated me to an Easter Egg decorating evening at her church. We learned the art of decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs, or"'Pysanky".
The tool used is a stylus which consists of a copper-wrapped thin funnel attached to a wood dowel.

The stylus is heated over a candle flame, then beeswax is scooped into the funnel. It is reheated and the wax is then drawn on a clean white egg using the pointed end of the tool..

After any areas to be left white are covered with wax, the egg is dyed in a light coloured dye.

The process is repeated...Heating, scooping, drawing with wax, dipping in progressively darker dye, etc., until the desired effect is achieved.

The wax is then melted off using the candle flame or a heat gun and left as is, or lightly varnished or oiled.

Some photos of eggs from my collection...all except one were given to me by my Mom. The one looking worst (in the bottom photo) is my attempt on Monday!...but what a lot of fun we had!